Raja secures smooth power for industries

LAHORE:Senior Minister Raja Riaz on Wednesday called on PEPCO Managing Director Rasul Khan Mahsud at the Wapda House and discussed with him the present power situation in the country, with special reference to provision of electricity to the industrial sector.Raja Riaz, who also holds the portfolios of Minister of Irrigation and Power and Minister of Mines and Mineral, told the Wapda MD that the textile industry was one of the most important sectors of Pakistan contributing significantly not only to the country’s economy but was also is one of the biggest employers.Dilating upon the current power situation, Mr Mahsud told the minister that the gap between the supply and demand of electricity was now less than 500 MW and the situation would further improve with the commissioning of new power projects.The Managing Director assured the Senior Minister the industrial sector would continue to enjoy top priority vis-à-vis supply of electricity. “Every effort will be made to ensure that the requirements of this sector are met,” Mahsud assured Raja.Mahsud said the PEPCO has directed the Chief Executives of the Distribution Companies that they should regularly meet the representatives of the industrial sector so that in case there is a need to resort to load management their need can be catered. The Senior Minister said Faisalabad was the second largest industrial centre of the textile industry in Pakistan and all measures should be taken to ensure that this sector and the associate vending and cottage industry are provided power on top priority.The PEPCO Managing Director informed the Senior Minister that he had already issued directives to Chief Executive Faisalabad Electric Supply Company to remain engaged with the business community and extend all possible facilities to them – Dailymailnews